James-Jacques-Joseph Tissot

STRUCTURE: The sheet is sound. There are some very minor creases in places particularly at the corners. There are some minor abrasions to the sheet particularly at the lower edge. There is some light surface dirt and some foxing to various areas. Otherwise the work is in good overall condition. FRAME: Held in a gold painted frame with minor damage to the extremities.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This is drawing relates to an oil painting known as La Femme Préhistorique (private collection, Besancon) depicting a statuesque model dressed in Tissot's favourite studio prop, a tiger-skin. Similar drawings were made c.1877 of Kathleen Newton's son Cecil George dressed in the animal skin for Tissot's painting The Triumph of Will: The Challenge (private collection). It is possible that the present drawing depicts Tissot's beautiful muse Kathleen Newton and if this is the case the fact that she is depicted almost naked is extremely rare. Tissot painted relatively few nudes but La Femme Préhistorique reflects the influence of popular pictures by the likes of Cormon and Gerome depicting prehistoric figures that were exhibited at the Salon in the nineteenth century.